BANGKOK, Thailand – The government is reminding all app-based ride-hailing drivers to obtain valid public transport driver’s licenses by September 30 to continue operating legally. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) will provide a special Saturday service on September 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Bangkok Land Transport Office, Area 5, for new applications and renewals.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan reported that the special service is available only to applicants who have completed the required e-learning course. Drivers who fail to meet licensing and vehicle registration requirements by the deadline will no longer be permitted to provide services through ride-hailing applications.
DLT figures show a sharp rise in applications following measures to regulate app-based services. New public car driver’s licenses increased from a monthly average of 2,915 between January and June to 8,499 in July and August, up 191.6%. New public motorcycle licenses rose from 2,271 to 8,072 per month over the same periods, an increase of 255.4%.
Thailand now has 162,310 public car driver’s licenses and 183,415 public motorcycle driver’s licenses. The government is urging ride-hailing drivers who have not completed the required procedures to obtain the appropriate license and meet registration requirements before the September 30 deadline. (NNT)
